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Lesson 3 - Striking for Power

Throwing, Kicking & Rolling Skills

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Nursery

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Target Games

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our feet to make a ball fly high and far?

Learning Objectives

To develop striking skills with the foot for power
To understand which part of the foot to use for powerful strikes
To demonstrate safe equipment handling and storage

Key Outcomes

Students will strike a ball with their foot showing control and power
Students will identify the correct part of the foot for power striking
Students will safely transport and store equipment

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

6 for warm-up activity

Distributed to selected children at start

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags

Softball

Given to designated 'Golden baller'

Alternative: Large foam ball, beach ball

Balloon Balls

1 per child (30)

Stored in equipment bag for easy distribution

Alternative: Large lightweight balls, beach balls

Shuttles

10-15

Placed midway between groups at 5m distance

Alternative: Plastic bottles, foam targets

Hoops

15 (1 per pair)

Various sizes for different abilities

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Dish Cones

Different colours for golf course holes

Alternative: Chalk marks, flat markers

Key Vocabulary

Striking

Hitting the ball forcefully with your foot

Power

Using force to make the ball travel far or high

Laces

The top part of your foot where your shoelaces are

Lean back

Tilting your body backwards slightly when kicking

Approach

The steps you take before kicking the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic kicking with preferred foot
Understanding of gentle vs forceful movements
Following simple instructions

Current Skills

Striking with foot for power
Using correct part of foot (laces)
Body positioning for height and distance

Next Steps

Accuracy in striking targets
Combining power with precision
Understanding trajectory and force

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with laces of foot

Body lean back for height observable

Equipment handled with care and purpose

Key Teaching Points

Use laces (top of foot) for powerful striking
Lean back slightly when kicking for height
Take 3-4 step approach for power development
Aim deliberately rather than kick randomly
Handle all equipment safely and cooperatively
Support partners and teammates positively
Practice with both feet for balanced development

Common Misconceptions

Using toe instead of laces reduces power and control
Leaning forward over ball keeps it low instead of giving height
Rushing kicks without aiming reduces accuracy significantly
Only using dominant foot limits overall development
Equipment doesn't need careful handling because it's 'just PE gear'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes, immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine established, visual schedule available, quiet zones for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards

physical disability

Seated kicking options, modified distances, larger target areas, alternative equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting kicks in golf game, measuring distances, comparing heights and distances of kicks

Science

Forces and motion - how body position affects ball trajectory, understanding cause and effect

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions, understanding position and movement in space

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honest self-assessment, supporting others' learning and development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities for optimal viewing, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct foot positioning, appropriate power levels, safe equipment handling

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, provide individual technique support, manage group dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve children in demonstrations, repeat key points

Verbal Cues

•'Laces and lean back!'
•'Gentle power - control the ball!'
•'Safety first with equipment!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor or large indoor space, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface suitable for running and kicking activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls inspected for damage
•Balloon balls appropriate pressure
•Skittles stable and unbreakable
•Hoops checked for cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during warm-up games
•Balls hitting children during activities
•Slips during approach runs
•Equipment handling injuries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing guidelines
•Soft balls only for tagging activities
•Low kicks rule in knockout games
•Supervised equipment handling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during active games
•Close monitoring during power kicking practice
•Direct supervision of equipment storage

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route planned